Left leg calf pain when running

meglash
meglash Posts: 22
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone. I started doing the C25K program 7 weeks ago and have been able to do the 25 minute runs without a problem. Suddenly, the past few times I run, within 2 or 3 minutes my left calf or foot will start hurting to the point where I need to take a break for a minute and then can keep going....for another 2 or 3 minutes then the cycle restarts. This is a huge overnight change from being able to go 25 minutes! If I run HARD then I am pretty much okay, but I only have enough endurance to do that for 30 seconds. My 25 minute runs are really slow, but I've been able to finish them that way. Also, it's only my left calf and I have zero pain when I'm not running.
Any idea on what's going on or what I should do? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Replies

  • jahnlaw
    jahnlaw Posts: 95 Member
    BUMP
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    It's probably related to one of the following issues.

    Dehydration
    Low potassium or sodium
    Low carbohydrate levels
    Very tight muscles


    I'm going to say most likely a tight calf muscle just off the top of my head. I would just suggest that you stretch, stretch, stretch after running and at a few other times during the day to help get that calf muscle loosened up. Don't stretch it while it's cramping but massaging the muscle like you're kneading bread dough will probably help out with the discomfort.

    Make sure you're staying hydrated properly during the day as well and that you have enough potassium and sodium intake.
  • LMT2012
    LMT2012 Posts: 697 Member
    I had a client who experienced the same symptoms. She is an avid runner. It turned out to be a very deep, relatively minor muscle tear that responded immediately to physical therapy. See a doctor if it persists beyond a week or two.
  • sarahlouise7
    sarahlouise7 Posts: 198 Member
    I had a very simular thing but with my right foot and calf. All i do is put insoles in my running shoes and iv no more pain. i think mine is due to pressure points in the feet and as my shoes mould to my feet, they were irritating pressure points, thats my thinking lol seems to of worked so maybe give it a try? HTH
  • OtiWanKenobi
    OtiWanKenobi Posts: 340 Member
    Make sure your running with your feet pointed forward and striking on a mid-foot. If the pain persists, definitely see a doctor who can recommend a physical therapist. I had a similar situation with my ankles and found out I need orthodics.
  • Corryn78
    Corryn78 Posts: 215
    I have this exact problem, but in both legs. I am going to try stretching first, then my warm up walk, followed by more stretching before the run. Usually I just walk a 1/4 mile to warm up, quick stretch then go. It is really painful!
  • iWaffle
    iWaffle Posts: 2,208 Member
    I have this exact problem, but in both legs. I am going to try stretching first, then my warm up walk, followed by more stretching before the run. Usually I just walk a 1/4 mile to warm up, quick stretch then go. It is really painful!

    I don't do any static stretches before running just dynamic stretches like exaggerated high knee jogging. You just need to get your joints and muscles warmed up. No need to actually stretch the muscle right before a run. Do that after the run and at other times during the day.
  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    I had a client who experienced the same symptoms. She is an avid runner. It turned out to be a very deep, relatively minor muscle tear that responded immediately to physical therapy. See a doctor if it persists beyond a week or two.

    With a single-site, sudden onset of pain, this is the likely culprit. Seeking quick treatment (or even rest) can keep a 1-week injury from becoming a 6 wk or longer injury.

    It can be masked because the pain often resembles a cramp. But it is not an injury that you can "run through".

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